Amber Green asked:


Hello all crafty people,

So you are bored with regular crochet and want to add some zing to your craft? Have you tried bead crochet? It’s the logical step with limitless options. Bead crochet gives you the opportunity to combine two crafts - crochet and beading. With bead crochet, you can experiment with the numerous gorgeous beads available and include them in your exquisite crocheted creations.

Seed beads go great with party bags, as trimmings, in laces, handkerchief borders, scarves and tassels. Make seed bead ropes to be used as handles in bags. I saw instructions for making seed bead ropes at http://www.beadline.com/crochet/crochet.html.

String beads in the crochet yarn before starting the pattern and use them randomly or in specific order to add bling to whatever it is you plan to crochet. When stringing beads in the yarn, take care of your posture. Try using big beads and avoid the super tiny seed beads if you have eye problems. String the beads in broad daylight or an appropriately lit room.
Beads are great to make intricately designed patterns such as http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa121299.htm.

Bigger beads can be used in bag handles to add an interesting element in otherwise simple looking bags. They can also be used as tassels in caplets, scarves, caps and shawls.

Guidelines, tips and tricks about crocheting with beads are given at:   

http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa030197.htm

http://beadwork.about.com/library/weekly/aascratchcrochet.htm

http://www.beadwrangler.com/tips-crochet.htm

Go through beading related frequently asked questions (FAQs) at http://www.swallowhillcreations.com/FAQ.htm.

Links to bead crochet patterns are available at:

http://crochet.about.com/od/beadcrochet/Bead_Crochet_Crocheting_With_Beads.htm

http://home.inreach.com/marthac/beads.html

http://www.victoriancrochet.com/

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/bead_crochet.php

Beads and crochet can be used to make wire crochet jewelry. Some beautiful patterns are shown on:

http://www.nezumiworld.com/crochet_011.htm

http://www.seafore.com/wire/wire.html

You can even go wild making bead crochet animals with help from http://www.beadcrochet.com/. The site also has a video to help visitors learn the technique.

Those who feel comfortable learning from a book can go to http://www.amazon.com/Bead-Crochet-Beadwork-How-Book/dp/193149942X and look at the beadwork how to book.

I guess you have enough material to keep you going. Happy beading.



TIMMY

Jon Simms asked:


Crochet afghan cover patterns are one of the popular crochet projects enjoyed by both beginners and advanced crocheters. A crocheted afghan cover is a great giveaway for family and friends. It can serve as a wrap or shawl as well as a blanket during chilly nights. The term afghan was derived from the textiles that are produced in Afghanistan since they are comparable to the shawls and wraps used in the region.

Crocheted afghan covers can be used in various ways. There are numerous crochet patterns for afghan blanket covers. An afghan blanket can be used as a mattress cover for the top of the bed or as a comforter and even as a bedspread. It is important to select the appropriate pattern that will fit the size of the intended project.

Afghans also make great gifts during birthdays and holidays as different motifs can be incorporated into the design. A Christmas afghan can help warm cold winter nights while personalized baby afghan blankets can become family heirlooms.

Complimentary Crochet Afghan Patterns
Free crochet afghan patterns are a great way to put together a beautiful afghan for giveaways or for personal use. Crochet afghan patterns can be very simple or complex depending on the preference of the crocheter.

A crocheter may opt to select a simple crochet afghan pattern that makes use of numerous granny squares that are put together to form the entire blanket. On the other hand, complex crochet afghan patterns may consist of geometric shapes that feature advanced crochet stitches.

Various resources like craft books, crocheting magazines and crafting websites offer complimentary crochet afghan patterns. These patterns provide complete instructions starting from what type of yarn and hook should be used for the project. In most cases, a crochet pattern may also include helpful tips on the differences between yarns.

Crochet afghan patterns can also serve as an inspiration for a crocheter to create their own unique design. Keep in mind that patterns can be adapted to suit the purpose of the project. Crocheters should not restrict themselves strictly to the instructions of the pattern. It is important to exercise some personal judgment that will help enhance the appearance of the project.

Creating an Afghan from Crochet Patterns

Creating an afghan based on crochet patterns is easy. There are numerous crochet patterns for afghan blankets that can be great as gifts or decorations at home. Simple afghan covers can even have a central theme. For example, an afghan pattern may feature a floral design as well as the national flag.

Popular crochet patterns for afghan covers often feature a stained glass design or can be part of a set of patterns. The afghan crochet pattern can be part of a collection that may include patterns for a crocheted pillowcase or coffee table doily. A striped crochet pattern for an afghan cover is another appealing project that both beginners and advanced crocheters will enjoy.

Creating an afghan from crochet patterns can also be the start of a wonderful tradition that a mother can pass on to their daughters. A free crochet pattern for an afghan cover is not only a great way to start but it is also fun. A mother and daughter can learn how to crochet at the same time by following a simple afghan crochet pattern. Once completed the finished product can be given away to family and friends.

Mothers and especially grandmothers will appreciate a handcrafted afghan cover created by a young girl from a crochet pattern. When selecting a pattern for the afghan be sure to choose a pattern and color scheme that would suit the personality of the intended party. The type of yarn to be used should also be considered, as it will directly affect the weight of the finished product.

Afghan blankets also make great donations for retirement and nursing homes. The elderly will certainly cherish the effort that went into creating the afghan. At the same time, they will appreciate the warmth of an afghan.

Afghans are an ideal project for anyone interested in learning how to crochet. Afghans are relatively easy to put together and are a great way to learn the basic crochet stitches. At the same time, afghan covers make excellent gifts and keepsakes that last a lifetime.



CLEVELAND

cyn asked:


I make a lot of shawls, baby dress, jackets, table cloths, etc. But I dont know the way to sell them. Can anyone tell me how I can do it? I dont want too much of cumbersome process.
Thanks a lot for all your valuable suggestions. I will consider them all. God Bless you all.

MONTE